MOTORSPORT REVISITED AT DYRHAM PARK

On Sunday 2nd October 2011, the Bristol Motor Club, in partnership with the National Trust, organised a spectacular SPIRIT OF THE 60s day at the Dyrham Park Estate near Bath.

50 years ago, the National Trust took over the running of the Estate. Also in 1961, the then Bristol Motor Cycle & Light Car Club organised the first Dyrham Park Speed Hillclimb. SPIRIT OF THE 60s was a celebration of these two anniversaries, both of which also fall in the year that Bristol Motor Club is celebrating its centenary.

Many of the cars that took part in the original hillclimb during its five years’ existence were on display on 2nd October. The cars performed demonstration runs up the historic drive, watched by a record crowd of over 5000 spectators, all eager to experience again the sight and sound of motorsport in the Park. It was a nostalgic and emotional reunion between drivers, their cars, and the unique atmosphere of Dyrham Park.

(Photo by Val Merrick - click to enlarge)

The record time for the 800yds Dyrham course stands at 30.05 secs; it was set at the last meeting in September 1966 by Bryan Eccles who, 45 years on, was reunited with one of the cars he owned in the 60s, a Brabham BT18 single-seater racing car powered by a Buick 3500cc V8 engine. The picture shows Bryan (right) with Chris Merrick, who borrowed the car for the day from the current owner, Simon Durling, who was unfortunately on holiday in Portugal.

Here's a short video clip of a run up the hill in Malcolm Collier's Cobra:
An album of photos received to date:
Jim Gaisford's photos of the event:

Pete Farmer has posted his pictures here

SPIRIT OF THE 60s

DISPLAY CARS A - Z FINAL LIST

 Page last updated 09/10/2011

Downloadable listing here

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